The late Tony Morrissey When Waterford played Cork in the Munster senior hurling final here in Semple Stadium just eleven months ago one of the most active people involved with our back room team was the legendary Tony Morrissey who as county Treasurer had been very closely involved with the panel and team management and is said to have never missed one training session during his years as Treasurer. His concerns about the welfare and well being of our other seven county panels in both codes was no less intense. And it was not just his financial dealings with the members of the various panels, etc, that concerned him as he was known to take a personal interest in their problems as well. His death at Waterford Regional Hospital was mourned throughout the county and his departure touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was first elected a board officer ten years ago and following his retirement as a shop salesman with Waterford Foods, he devoted every moment of his spare time to the financial affairs of the Association in the county. He was many times described as 'a full time voluntary official'. As a committee member of Faher Field he was deeply involved in the redevelopment of the ground and the fund raising required to meet the cost of this and other development projects. He canvassed sponsorship to fund county team training and was one of the leading lights in the campaign to raise funds to send the county senior hurling team on holiday. His membership of the County Communications committee saw him involved in the production of match programme, county diaries and our annual County Year book etc. Big occasions, saw Tony Morrissey at his best and in the weeks and days leading up to major events he adopted the role of salesman and making sure that county emblems of all description including white and blue scarves, hats, caps, car stickers etc were available for purchase by supporters. Among the thousands of Deise supporters at games are people who are wearing emblems which they purchased from Tony. When big match tickets were on sale, Tony Morrissey was the man to meet and he always seemed able to pull tickets out of his 'magic box when they were not available from other sources. As an officer of the County Executive he was the one to 'call the shots' , if money was to be spent on projects and he only approved of board money being spent if he was sure value for money was going to be obtained. Although in poor health for some considerable time he continued to manage the financial affairs of the county board and even from his hospital bed he continued to conduct some of the business of the board. Possessed of a very friendly nature he was a great favourite inside and outside the GAA in Waterford and his widespread popularity was clearly in evidence when huge crowds turned up to pay their final respects. In a tribute by county board chairman Padraig O Flionn at a meeting of the board, described Tony Morrissey as an outstanding officer who will be very difficult to replace and his willing service to our county will be remembered for a long number of years to come Ar Dheis Dia go raibh a anam By Seamus O'Brien Tweet

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